Introduction

Phthalic anhydride is an important industrial chemical, especially for the large-scale production of plasticizers for plastics and in the production of dyestuffs.

Phthalic anhydride is a versatile intermediate in organic chemistry. It is used in the Preperation of phthalate esters and in Organic Synthesis.

General details

CAS: 85-44-9.
Formula: C6H4(CO)2O.

Properties: White, crystalline needles; mild odor. Sublimes below boiling point; d 1.527 (4C), mp 131.16C, bp 285C, flash p 305F (151.6C) (CC), autoign temp 1083F (583C). Soluble in alcohol, carbon disulfide, and hot water. Combustible.

Derivation: Catalytic oxidation of naphthalene.

Method of purification: Sublimation.

Grade: Pure, technical.

Hazard: Skin irritant. TLV: 1 ppm; not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Uses: Alkyd resins, plasticizers, hardener for resins, polyesters, synthesis of phenolphthalein and other phthaleins, many other dyes, chlorinated products, pharmaceutical intermediates, insecticides, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, laboratory reagent.

Specification

New Specification – 2009 – Mexico origin

Phthalic Anhydride Specification (Origin Mexico)

New Specification – 2009 – Venezula origin

Phthalic Anhydride  Specification (Origin Venezuela)

New Specification – 2008 – Russia origin

PA Phthalic Anhydride Specification (Russia Origin)

Phthalic Anhydride from Ukraine is available in three grades.

GRADE N   is produced from Napthalene.
GRADE NK is produced from Napthalene.
GRADE O   is produced from Orthoxylene.

Phthalic Anhydride (Grade N) Specification sheet

Phthalic Anhydride (Grade NK) Specification sheet

Phthalic Anhydride (Grade O) Specification sheet

Other specifications

Phthalic Anhydride (Grade A) Specification sheet

Phthalic Anhydride Specification sheet

Source

New Sources (2009)

Valetime Group has established new sources of Phthalic Anhydride in Venezula and of Phthalic Anhydride in Mexico.

New Source (2008) – Russia

Valetime have worked closely with a major Chinese chemical distributor to source key chemicals produced in Romania and its neighbouring countries, that are required in China. Through associate companies in Romania, we now have close links to chemical manufacturers and producers in and around the region. This opportunity has given us access to a number of new chemical products – including a new source for PA, Phthalic Anhydride.

New Specification – Russia origin

PA Phthalic Anhydride Specification (Russia Origin)

Source – Ukraine

Phthalic anhydride, the anhydride form of phthalic acid, is produced by the oxidation of orthoxylene or naphthalene.

Three sources are available to Valetime:

1. using Naphthalene – denoted as PA-N – from Avdeevskiy 
2. using Naphthalene – denoted as PA-NK – from Rubezhnoe 
3. using Orthoxylene – denoted as PA-O – from Rubezhnoe 

Avdeevskiy Coke Processing Works (ACPW) based in the Donbass region of the Ukraine is one of the largest fully integrated facilities for extractions from coal. ACPW has a production mix ranging from blast furnace coke to coal oils and special chemicals – for example Naphthalene from which Phthalic Anhydride is derived.

Rubezhnoe in the Lugansk region of the Ukraine is the location for production of a range of special chemicals for the paint, varnish and coatings industries. Phthalic anhydride is derived from Orthoxylene imported from neigbouring petro-chemical refining facilities.

Safety Information

Phthalic Anhydride (Grade NK) Specification sheet

General

Synonyms: 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid anhydride, phthalic acid anhydride
Molecular formula: C8H4O3
CAS No: 85-44-9
EINECS No:

Physical data

Appearance: white crystalline solid with choking odour
Melting point: 131 C
Boiling point: 295 C
Vapour density: 5.1 (air = 1)
Vapour pressure:
Density (g cm-3): 1.53
Flash point: 152 C (closed cup)
Explosion limits: 1.7 – 10.5%
Autoignition temperature:
Water solubility: slight

Stability

Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, moisture, nitric acid, alkalies. Dust may form an explosive mixture with air.

Toxicology

Corrosive – causes burns. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Skin or eye contact may cause severe irritation. Typical TLV/TWA 1 ppm. Typical STEL 4 ppm. Typical PEL 2 ppm.

Toxicity data

ORL-RAT LD50 4020 mg kg-1

Transport information

UN No 2214. Hazard class 8.

Personal protection

Safety glasses, gloves, adequate ventilation.